Marbella Welcomes Record Numbers of Affluent Middle Eastern Travelers This Summer

Marbella, the popular destination of Spain’s Costa del Sol, is once again cementing its status as a top-tier luxury summer destination — this time with a notable surge in elite travelers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. As the 2025 summer season unfolds, the resort city is experiencing a strong influx of visitors from these Gulf countries, drawn by Marbella’s combination of exclusivity, climate, and luxury experiences tailored to high-end expectations.

Enhanced Air Connectivity Fuels Growth

One of the driving forces behind this rise is the increased availability of direct flights. Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport, the closest international hub, is now operating five direct routes from the Middle East this summer. This expanded air connectivity makes Marbella more accessible than ever for Gulf residents seeking to escape intense summer heat back home.
Most travelers are arriving after Ramadan, aligning with family holiday schedules and traditional summer getaways, further boosting tourism flow during the peak months.

Gulf Travelers: Small in Number, Big in Impact

While Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals represent a smaller portion of Spain’s overall tourist figures compared to northern Europeans, their economic influence is significant. In 2023, visitors from GCC countries spent more than €1.13 billion in Spain — a 64.7% increase over 2022. Saudi Arabia alone sent over 182,000 travelers, surpassing the UAE as Spain’s leading GCC source market and marking more than a 100% increase since 2019.
These affluent visitors typically travel in large family groups, stay longer, and spend considerably more per capita — often exceeding €59,000 per trip.

Marbella’s Luxury Hospitality Tailored to Middle Eastern Preferences

Marbella’s premium hotels and resorts are adapting services specifically to the expectations of elite Gulf clientele:
High-end suites or full-floor reservations are increasingly popular, often for stays lasting up to 10 nights.
Personalized amenities like Arabic-speaking staff, private chefs, luxury car rentals, and concierge-led experiences are now standard in many top establishments.
Privacy and discretion remain key selling points, especially in exclusive villas and gated resorts.
Luxury hotels report that bookings from Saudi, Emirati, Kuwaiti, and Qatari guests now represent up to 30% of their summer occupancy, with some properties seeing year-on-year increases of over 10%.

Puerto Banús: Shopping Destination of Choice

Puerto Banús continues to shine as the retail epicenter for high-net-worth travelers. The iconic marina and shopping zone has seen Gulf visitor spending surge by nearly 195% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Average daily spending for GCC visitors frequently exceeds €1,000, driven by purchases from luxury brands, fine dining, and private services.
To meet this demand, retailers in Puerto Banús have expanded their offering — hiring Arabic-speaking staff, extending opening hours, and providing bespoke shopping experiences.

Year-Round Tourism Strategy Gains Momentum

Marbella’s leadership is working to position the city not just as a seasonal hotspot, but as a year-round destination for high-spending travelers from the Middle East. Participation in events like the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai — where more than 80 meetings were held with travel agents and airlines — is part of this broader push.
Mayor Ángeles Muñoz has emphasized Marbella’s growing reputation as a lifestyle destination, backed by direct flight growth and a more streamlined visa process tailored to travelers from the region.

Summer 2025 Outlook

Occupancy: Luxury hotels expect GCC travelers to make up 25–30% of peak summer bookings.
Spending: Daily room rates in top-tier accommodations exceed €2,000, with strong demand for villas and private estates.
Trends: Gulf families are increasingly booking Marbella for special occasions such as weddings and reunions, driving a new wave of ultra-luxury tourism experiences.

Marbella’s Global Luxury Position Strengthens

With elite travelers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar choosing Marbella as their Mediterranean base, the city has firmly positioned itself as a leader in high-end European tourism. Supported by enhanced air links, a hospitality sector focused on personalized service, and a growing number of direct cultural and business ties, Marbella is not just attracting Gulf travelers — it’s evolving to meet and exceed their expectations.
In 2025, Marbella offers more than just sun and sea. It offers a lifestyle — one that increasingly resonates with the elite of the Middle East.